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Dear Pet Owners,
Welcome to the wonderful beaches and sound accesses here on the Outer Banks. While vacationing here is usually a wonderful reprieve from the humdrum of daily life, having a sick pet can put a real damper on your visit. Listed below are a few brief examples of common problems that affect visiting pets as well as a checklist of things to do before you leave home.
Before You Go Checklist
*Make sure the place you are renting allows pets. If not make sure you have a place to board them long before you jump in the car. Most kennels are booked weeks in advance during the summer months, especially on holidays.
*Get your pooch up to date on vaccinations. Even if you don't plan on boarding your dog, unexpected events may require them to stay at a boarding facility or veterinary hospital. Most boarding faculties require a current Rabies vaccine, Distemper-Parvo combo vaccine, and Kennel Cough vaccine. Also, don't forget to bring records of these vaccinations. If you have any questions about these, please consult a veterinarian.
*Apply flea and/or tick preventative shortly before you leave. Due to our mild winters, these external parasites are abundant on the Outer Banks.
*Bring extra leashes, collars, and doggy bags to collect your pet's feces. Littering on the beach doesn't stop with soda cans and trash!
Tail Sprains
Many dogs love to jump in the ocean. Waves, however, can topple them and cause them to hurt their tail. Symptoms of this include, restlessness, holding the tail between their legs, and other signs of pain. If this happens to your pup, consult a veterinarian.
Ocean / Sound Water
Sound water and other areas where the water is stagnant is a host to bacteria and parasites that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even more serious diseases such as kidney failure. Drinking too much ocean water can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and severe dehydration. For your pet's best interest, keep their drinking sources limited to bottled water or tap water during your stay.
Leash Laws
It can be very tempting to let Fido have free run of the beach during your stay. Please monitor your pets closely when they are not confined. Our roads are very busy and the last thing you want to happen is to have your four-legged friend wander from the beach and into the path of a moving vehicle. Most communities here require your pet to be on a leash. Some do not allow per on the beach at all during the summer months. Find out if your beach allows dogs before you take your pooch for a walk.
If you have any questions about your pet, please feel free to contact one on the veterinary hospitals in the area and ask. Enjoy your stay and have a safe, fun vacation!
Jay Taylor, DVM
Martin's Point Veterinary Hospital
This article was published by Pampered Pets Guide
in Vol.5 page 6Please see: OBX Veterinarian Advice